Valence shell electron pair repulsion or VSEPR theory states that the geometry of a molecule or polyatomic ion is determined by the repulsion of pairs of electrons associated with a central atom. The pairs of electrons may be bonding or non-bonding (lone-pair) electrons. Only valence electrons of the central atom influence the molecular shape. All BUT one assumption listed supports VSEPR theory. Which statement is not critical to supporting VSEPR theory?